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What is the most intimidating pitch in the world?


westie

27-Feb-2009
9:22:34 AM

So watching a youtube clip of P2 of Passport to Insanity the other day - always impressive...

Maybe one of the most intimidating pitches in OZ (not necessarily one of the hardest).

Any nominations for some of the scariest pitches around the world? Pics or links would spice up my Friday.


wallwombat

27-Feb-2009
9:37:37 AM

Walk of Life put up by James Pearson would get votes.

I reckon there would be a few intimidating pitches on this too.


wallwombat

27-Feb-2009
9:55:05 AM

I'd have to say one the most intimidating pitches I have climbed was pitch 1 of Minatour at Piddo. Certainly not the hardest but definitely needed my head together for it.


..::- Chris -::..

27-Feb-2009
10:02:39 AM

Tip toe ridge ; )

devlin66

27-Feb-2009
11:08:28 AM

The policies the government keep pitching are always scary and intimidating. Either side.

27-Feb-2009
11:43:59 AM

the Bachar Yerian must get a look in - unless you do it on TR like a soft Kauk

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tornatore/2649350088/


wallwombat

27-Feb-2009
12:00:12 PM

Southern Belle on Half Dome is supposed to be a real pants packer.

widewetandslippery

27-Feb-2009
12:08:29 PM

Alpine rockclimbing I've done some hairy abseils that I did not want to do at all but did as I had no choice, apart from jumping.

You never said the pitch had to be in ascent.

I think thats a key part of intimidation that you are left with no rational choice but to continue what you are doing due to conditions beyond your control. (and knowing the deep shit you're in was probably of your own making). Like when a bouncer is about to smash you and it dawns that you shouldn't of said those things about his parenting.


evanbb

27-Feb-2009
12:11:08 PM

My personal worst so far was Integral crack. It just keeps going! 48m of trad fury.

Minotour is a scarey bit of climbing.

McLeod's Rhapsody and Echo Wall are probably both worth a mention.


pmonks

27-Feb-2009
4:55:24 PM

Everything at Bangor West in Sydney!


Dutch

27-Feb-2009
6:17:28 PM

The Indian Face?


Cranky

27-Feb-2009
9:08:45 PM

If someone you are trying to impress is watching.


MrsM10iswhereitsat.

27-Feb-2009
9:21:15 PM

>What is the most intimidating pitch in the world?

The one you don't want to to be on, like the one Derek my M10 love sandbagged me on recently into trying to lead it free when I would much rather had been on aid.

patto

27-Feb-2009
9:47:11 PM

Boston's Climb would have to be up there wouldn't it?


dougal

27-Feb-2009
9:55:05 PM

On 27/02/2009 westie wrote:
>
>So watching a youtube clip of P2 of Passport to Insanity the other day
>- always impressive...

"...all I can say is I'm glad I had a shit on the ground" Classic :)


BoulderBaby

27-Feb-2009
11:26:42 PM

Scarab. Scary Stuff.

(hehe)


IdratherbeclimbingM9

28-Feb-2009
11:53:33 AM

On 27/02/2009 MrsM10iswhereitsat. wrote:
>>What is the most intimidating pitch in the world?
>
>The one you don't want to to be on, like the one Derek my M10 love sandbagged
>me on recently into trying to lead it free when I would much rather had been on aid.

Hmm.
You wrote I would much rather had been on aid.
This rings a bell(!!), and I have to agree with you.
Good one MrsM10!

Back on topic.
>What is the most intimidating pitch in the world?

Probably the one that is just above your ability, no matter what grade you climb at, but calls to you ...
It haunts your thoughts until you rise to its challenge.

If a climb is too far above your ability then they are easier to write off mentally and not bother attempting.

A pitch need not be bold or dangerous to be memorable or intimidating. 'Easy' slabs can be intimidating if you allow the head factor to lose control. Mind you getting caught out in rain while half up one can precipitate (pun intended) this!


porkpie

1-Mar-2009
11:48:25 AM

I saw a dude get lost on the second pitch of Hocus Pocus at Piddo. He zigged when he should have zagged and it made for gripping viewing. The guy had one carrot clipped about 2 m above the belay and then nothing for about 20m. He was shaking and swearing as he pulled on sandy choss facing a monster fall on to the slab. Dude only just made it wearing runners and carrying a backpack!

Possible the first time I have seen a new route but up onsight at about English grade E9 4b.

Anyone for a repeat?


bigmike

1-Mar-2009
12:46:50 PM

On 1/03/2009 porkpie wrote:

>English grade E9 4b.
>

I like that grade! It encapsulates much of what is wrong with our northern rulers' grading
system!


bigmike

1-Mar-2009
12:52:36 PM

and as for the intimidating pitch question, wouldn't that have to be the last pitch to the
summit of K2?

Because, if memory serves, tick that and you know you've got a one in four chance that
you won't make it back ....?

There are 22 messages in this topic.